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750ml
Bottle:
$26.93
$28.00
Red volcanic ferrous soils with ample black basalt strewn amidst. Suits the later ripening Garganega, while screw cap...
750ml
Bottle:
$18.00
12 bottles:
$17.64
Aromas of white stone fruit, peach peel and almond. Medium-bodied with notes of peach and nectarine on the palate. A...
750ml
Bottle:
$18.94
12 bottles:
$18.56
Moon yellow color. It smell clean and spicy, highlighted by delicious hints of tropical fruit. Medium-bodied taste...
![Vassaltis Santorini [100% Assyrtiko] 2022 750ml](https://www.saratogawine.com/files/images/cached_thumbs/b1/b140cc15e6136e758452044b3a4ad63f.jpg){kind=small}
750ml
Bottle:
$43.32
$45.60
Dry and minerally, with a streak of salinity driving subtle notes of crunchy white peach, lemon thyme and slivered...
750ml
Bottle:
$13.90
$14.83
Lemon straw with green hues. The aroma is complex and funky. Lifted honeysuckle, lemon rind, apricot and peach aromas...
750ml
Bottle:
$17.94
12 bottles:
$16.63
A fragrant and spicy viognier with aromas of fresh apricot, grapefruit, lemon blossom, white pepper and ginseng....
750ml
Bottle:
$42.69
$43.79
Smoky, spicy and slightly toasty on the nose. Refined peach, apricot fruits are emerging and richness and drive carry...
750ml
Bottle:
$52.99
Yalumba is the pioneer of viognier in Australia and they continue to do a good job. Fealty to type. Floral lift...
750ml
Bottle:
$12.47
$13.86
12 bottles:
$12.35
This has bright, ripe peach and apricot aromas with bright, floral perfume. There’s a very pure, ripe-apricot core...
750ml
Bottle:
$16.25
12 bottles:
$15.93
Straw yellow color with a greenish tinge. The bouquet is intense and delicate, with hints of elder and vine flower....
Pre-Arrival
Chateau-Grillet Chateau-Grillet 2020
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle:
$413.63
Noticeably more oak than their Condrieu (10% new oak here), but this should settle - the score assumes that it will....
Pre-Arrival
Chateau-Grillet Chateau-Grillet 2020
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$357.01
Noticeably more oak than their Condrieu (10% new oak here), but this should settle - the score assumes that it will....
Pre-Arrival
Delas Freres Condrieu La Galopine 2020
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$59.12
91-93 The 2020 Condrieu La Galopine can be thought of as the base Condrieu, and it's always a good buy. Light...
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$61.62
AOP Condrieu — 100% Viognier white wine from oldest vines.
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle:
$53.91
Rare and confidential Cuvée. On the nose, notes of peach, apricot, and white fruits are revealed. In the mouth,...
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$109.26
Assyrtiko Garganega Mencia Viognier
Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.
The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.
Additional Information on Greek Wines
Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?
Italy is a fine country for white grape varietals, and white wines have been produced in this ancient country for thousands of years. One of the more popular varietals in the modern age is Garganega, which is currently the 5th most planted white grape across Italy. This grape is most closely associated with the Veneto region of Italy, although it is also grown in Sicily, where it is known as Grecanico Dorato. Garganega is a rigorous, hardy grape, which can grow in huge yields - explaining its popularity in the past. Today, winemakers must be careful to keep yields as low as possible, as this a varietal which can easily lose its distinctive characteristics and fine qualities when grown in bulk.
We know Garganega most commonly from the Soave wines which have been consistently popular over the past few decades. Indeed, the Soave Classico wines which still sell in large quantities across the globe are made from 70%-100% Garganega varietal grapes, and these wines showcase the varietal’s fresh and delicate qualities. The most common flavors present in Garganega wines are delicate, citrus notes, balanced by a hint of almond, and the best examples have remarkable balance and length, with wonderful aromatic notes.
Although primarily associated with the Rhone region of France, the precise origins of the Viognier grape variety are unknown, and the subject of much debate. However, these fine and delicate green skinned grapes are an important varietal for many of France's most elegant white wines, and they are quickly beginning to spread around the New World, too, where wineries are discovering their unique qualities and unusual character. Viognier grapes are notoriously difficult to grow, due to the fact they are highly susceptible to mildew, but wineries persevere with them nonetheless, producing wines which are highly aromatic and have a great, fruit-forward character. Their delicate aroma suggests sweetness due to its flowery, sappy nature, but the wine itself generally very dry and crisp, and full of summery, light and refined qualities.